David Friess | Contributed photo
David Friess | Contributed photo
Republican state House candidate David Friess fumes about Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s one-man act when it comes to his handling of COVID-19, noting it is having far-reaching consequences.
“The governor's actions of placing mitigation mandates on Southern Illinois, to include prohibiting indoor dining, is yet another example of his overreach,” Friess told the SE Illinois News. “The governor refuses to consult and work with the legislature to address the pandemic. Moreover, the governor doesn't consult local health officials or local elected leaders.”
Running against incumbent state Rep. Nathan Reitz (D-Steeleville) in the 116th District, Friess fears the worse may be yet to come. Citing rising infection rates, Pritzker recently moved to reenact COVID restrictions in at least 24 counties while warning the ban could soon spread to other parts of the state, triggering the ire of many small business owners still struggling with the effects of his earlier shutdown orders. With a Facebook page dedicated to businesses planning to defy his order already created and launched, the governor is now threatening to send the Illinois State Police to the regions where restaurants and bars are deemed to be in violation.
“I believe small business owners are justified in taking a stand against more shutdown orders because their livelihoods are at risk,” Friess added. “Southern Illinois small business owners are on the verge of losing everything they have worked their entire lives for.”
Friess argues none of it has to be.
“I doubt the governor is considering all the consequences of his actions before dictating more restrictions,” he said. “We have a governor with a net worth in excess of $3 billion, and he is threatening to send the state police to small businesses. Many of these small businesses were struggling prior to the pandemic and the governor's restrictions are going to put them out of businesses for good. The governor had the chance to remove the Tax Hike Amendment from the ballot, but he didn't, further proving how out of touch he is.”
Alerts Sign-up